Science

Grade 9
Full Year
Prerequisites: none

Biology is typically the Upper School introductory science course that serves as a foundation for future study of the department’s physical and life-science courses. The biology curriculum is an introductory-level course whereby students from all backgrounds and experience levels are introduced to the department’s philosophy, broad academic expectations, and rigor.

The study of life is questioned, observed, and investigated at the macro, micro, and molecular levels using a framework of scientific inquiry founded upon theory and universal laws. Throughout the course of study, students use various research methodologies and tools to learn various sub-disciplines and themes like ecology, morphology, and physiology, taxonomy, molecular biology, biochemistry, cellular biology, evolution, and genetics. The successful student is well prepared for the continued study of Park Tudor’s requisite and elective-based life and physical science courses.

Grades 11-12
Elective
Full Year
Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry

This introductory course surveys the foundational principles of microbiology, defined as the biology of microscopic organisms, and encompasses several disciplines, including bacteriology, virology, mycology, and parasitology. Each of these disciplines may include but is not limited to studies of infectious disease-causing microorganisms and their pathology. Students learn laboratory skills and procedural knowledge specific to the study of microorganisms.

Grades 11-12
Elective
Full Year
Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry (grade of B or better in each course) or departmental permission

In Advanced Biology, students develop a deep understanding of the big ideas of biology and experience the challenges and satisfactions of thinking about the complexities of living things in a science-minded way. Through laboratory investigations, students develop inquiry and science reasoning skills. Students practice forming testable hypotheses, design plans for collecting data, and assemble scientific evidence by statistically analyzing data. Class discussion develops the ability to recognize and apply major concepts such as evolution, information transfer, biological recognition, and energy transformation across topics and scales of biological organization. Students learn to recognize common structures and mechanisms and uncover thought-provoking order and evolutionary relatedness in the midst of what initially appears to be just a bewildering diversity of forms and functions of living things and their parts. Upon completion of the course, students are prepared to take the Advanced Placement Biology examination.

Grades 9-12
Elective
Full Year
Prerequisites: Geometry

Chemistry is everywhere in the world around us - in what we eat, in what we breathe, in how we live, in what we are. Chemists study not only what things are, but also what they do, and how they do it. It is central to the study of all sciences, and is, therefore, inherently interdisciplinary in nature. Topics covered in this course include kinetic molecular theory, atomic structure, bonding, the nature of chemical reactions, equilibria, thermodynamics, acids/bases, and electrochemistry, with particular emphasis on the use of models to explain laboratory observations. At the end of the year, students will be prepared to take Physics, AP Chemistry, and/or AP Biology.

Prerequisites: Chemistry (B or higher) and Biology

This course is designed to provide an overview of organic and biochemistry for students interested in pursuing an undergraduate major in a laboratory science or the health/medical sciences. The course includes an introduction to organic structures, reactions, and some simple mechanisms for the organic semester of the course. Students will also be introduced to classes of macromolecules, cofactors, vitamins, and biotechnology for the biochemistry semester of the course.

Grades 9-12
Elective
Full Year
Prerequisites: Chemistry (B or higher for both semesters) or departmental permission

Advanced Placement (AP) Chemistry is designed to be the equivalent of the General Chemistry course most students take during their first year of college. The course is structured around the six science practices and four big ideas articulated in the AP Chemistry curriculum framework provided by the College Board. Learning objectives combine content with inquiry and reasoning skills and require students to think and conduct scientific investigations like working scientists.

Grades 11-12
Elective
Two Full Years
Pre/Co-requisites: AP Biology and AP Chemistry or AP Physics by the end of 12th grade.

Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies is a 2-year course of study that includes 150 hours (approximately 4 weeks) of research during the summer between the junior and senior year. The course is for students interested in advanced study at the interface of chemistry and biology. The program is designed to encourage students to consider studying science in college and potentially pursue a career in science-related fields. Students who are members of Global Scholars and interested in a science-based research project are encouraged to enroll. The program is also open to students not enrolled in Global Scholars.

Pre/Co-requisites: AIS I and completion of 150 hrs of research with a mentor scientist by the start of 12th grade.

Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies is a 2-year course of study that includes 150 hours (approximately 4 weeks) of research during the summer between the junior and senior year. The course is for students interested in advanced study at the interface of chemistry and biology. The program is designed to encourage students to consider studying science in college and potentially pursue a career in science-related fields. Students who are members of Global Scholars and interested in a science-based research project are encouraged to enroll. The program is also open to students not enrolled in Global Scholars.

Grades 9-12
Elective
Full Year
Prerequisites: B+ or higher for both semesters of Algebra II or B or higher in both semesters of Algebra II with Trig.

The conceptual and non-calculus based analytical course includes examinations of mechanics, wave motion, sound, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, and optics. Each phenomenon will be explored through discussion, demonstration, experimentation, and computer analysis. The course is designed to build on and enhance the computational skills developed in the Park Tudor math sequence.

Grades 10-12
Elective
Full Year
Prerequisites: Physics or passing Placement Test. PreCalc with grade of B+ or higher. Enrolled in Calc I or higher with a grade of B+ or higher.

This course is designed to prepare students for the C-level Advanced Placement exam. The course builds on the skills and knowledge base developed during the first-year physics course. Topics are reviewed and re-introduced with a calculus base. Emphasis is placed on synthesizing a variety of fundamental topics into a coherent whole.

Grades 11-12
Elective
Full Year
Prerequisites: Biology

This course deals with both the anatomy and physiology of the human body. It is designed to help students discover the functioning of their bodies in both normal and abnormal situations such as drugs, disease, and stress. Students will be able to understand and appreciate the daily life-sustaining activities performed by the human body. Practical aspects will show how knowledge of this subject matter can be applied in their lives and will be accomplished through the use of laboratory techniques, discussions, guest speakers, the material presented in lectures and videos, and projects.

Grades 11-12
Elective
Full Year
Prerequisites: Biology

The Environmental Science curriculum encompasses all aspects of the biosphere, the role species play within an ecosystem with each other and abiotic factors, and the impact humans have on the environment, both negative and positive. Students will be introduced to scientific methodologies in order to analyze and interpret current data on the atmosphere, bodies of water, land, human population, and various species. These techniques will be used to gain knowledge about existing issues, both natural and man-made, concerning the harvesting and use of natural resources; evaluate potential risks; and develop possible solutions in order to support a healthy lifestyle of the growing human population. Emphasis will be placed on recognition of valid primary sources in research, effective evaluation of various solutions, active participation in environmental activities, and professional communication of this work.

Grades 11-12
Elective
Prerequisites: Biology

This course is an introduction to the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. In short, students answer the questions, “Why do we think the way we do and why do we behave the way we do?” They do this by applying psychological concepts to their everyday lives. Students engage in activities and assignments that relate to both classic and contemporary psychological studies. They can expect that for each topic studied, they will participate in activities that allow them to simulate or experience the key concepts they are studying. At the end of most units, students will have the choice of taking a test or writing a short “thought paper” in order to show what they have learned.

In addition to learning about psychological studies, students have opportunities to design and carry out their own studies. In the Development Unit, students design a study about a developmental concept of their choice and work with students at the Hilbert Center to carry out their study. In addition, students engage in a semester-long project where they will either research a psychology topic of their choice or design and carry out a study that relates to psychology. At the end of the course, they will share their findings with the community at Psych Fair as well as submit a final product.